Juventus’ academy has been used sparingly, well, for seemingly ever and that pattern has continued during Massimiliano Allegri’s second stint in charge.
However, Juve’s youth system will be imperative to rebuilding the club with the financial effects of COVID-19 lingering and thus compromising their ability to manoeuvre expansively in the transfer market.
Despite the Old Lady’s woes during the first half of the season and the persistent failings of the old guard, Allegri was hesitant to turn to youth as a means of providing a spark. Nevertheless, this current crop of Juventus youngsters have the potential to be the best in a generation (the bar isn’t set very high, admittedly) and as Sampdoria visit Turin in the round of 16 of the Coppa Italia on Tuesday night, Allegri has the optimal opportunity to show off Juve’s exciting youth.
4 Juventus youngsters who should play against Sampdoria on Tuesday night
It’s about time some of these teenagers got a chance to shine. Here are four that Allegri should hand minutes to against Sampdoria.
Koni De Winter
We’ve already seen Koni De Winter in first-team action this season with both of his appearances coming in the Champions League. The Belgian defender made a late cameo in the 4-0 defeat at Chelsea before Allegri handed him a start in the group-stage finale against Malmo.
De Winter’s a centre-back by trade and on his first start, we saw him perform a hybrid, phase-dependent function where he was the right centre-back in possession and right-back out of possession. He more than held his own on that occasion and it’s a surprise that we’re yet to see him in domestic action.
The 19-year-old has been a feature of Juve’s Serie A matchday squads since the end of November and he should be granted a chance to start on Tuesday. Should he play, Allegri will likely use him at right-back again.